Is Marble, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marble, Colorado, begin by researching local regulations through Gunnison County's planning department, as Marble falls under county jurisdiction and may require a conditional use permit for short-term rentals, with potential restrictions on the number of rental days per year (typically 30-90 days annually in rural Colorado counties). Contact Gunnison County at (970) 641-1516 to obtain necessary permits, which may include a business license, sales tax license from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and potentially a septic system inspection given Marble's remote location. Find property by working with local realtors familiar with Marble's limited housing stock, focusing on cabins or homes with reliable well water, septic systems, and year-round road access, as properties typically range from $400,000-$800,000 for suitable rentals. Furnish the property with rustic, mountain-appropriate decor, ensuring reliable internet (likely satellite-based like Starlink), backup heating systems, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local Colorado vacation rental sites, emphasizing proximity to Marble's famous marble quarries, Crystal Mill, and outdoor activities, with rates typically ranging $150-$300 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Carbondale or Glenwood Springs (30-45 minutes away), arranging for maintenance contacts familiar with remote mountain properties, and implementing self-check-in systems due to Marble's isolated location and limited cell service.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marble, Colorado, focus on properties within walking distance of the Crystal Mill and Beaver Lake trailheads, as this historic mining town attracts photographers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or renovated mining-era homes with rustic charm, modern amenities, hot tubs, and mountain views, as these features command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons (June-September and December-February). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius including Redstone and Carbondale, noting that Marble's limited inventory of fewer than 20 active STRs creates less competition but requires pricing 15-20% below Aspen market rates while maintaining 65-75% occupancy targets. Research seasonal demand patterns using AirDNA and Mashvisor, focusing on properties that can capture both summer adventure travelers and winter Crystal Mill photography tours, while ensuring compliance with Gunnison County's STR regulations and considering the town's remote location requires properties with reliable internet, backup power systems, and 4WD accessibility for year-round guest access.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marble, Colorado, you must first contact the Gunnison County Planning Department since Marble is an unincorporated town within Gunnison County jurisdiction. Submit your application through the county's planning office located at 221 N Wisconsin Street in Gunnison, providing required documents including a completed short-term rental application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, well water testing results if applicable, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and a $350 application fee plus $150 annual renewal fee. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks and requires compliance with Gunnison County's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, mandatory 24-hour local contact person, noise ordinance compliance, proper waste management plan, and adherence to fire safety codes including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You must also register with the Colorado Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection and remit the 2.9% state lodging tax plus any applicable local taxes, with permits requiring annual renewal and on-site inspections every two years to maintain compliance with county health and safety standards.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marble, Colorado operate under Gunnison County regulations, as this small unincorporated town does not have its own municipal STR ordinances. Gunnison County generally allows STRs but requires operators to obtain a business license and comply with health department regulations, fire safety codes, and zoning requirements. Properties must meet specific occupancy limits based on septic system capacity and parking availability, with most residential zones permitting STRs as an accessory use. The county has implemented noise ordinances and good neighbor policies to address community concerns, and operators typically must provide 24-hour contact information for guests. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures, though outright bans have not been implemented. Given Marble's remote location and limited housing stock, STRs face scrutiny regarding their impact on local housing availability, but they remain legal when properly licensed and operated in compliance with county standards.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Marble, Colorado center around the historic downtown district near the marble quarries, which attracts tourists interested in the town's famous Yule Marble history and quarry tours, particularly during summer months when visitors come to see where marble for the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was sourced. The Crystal River Valley corridor offers excellent potential due to its proximity to world-class fishing, hiking, and four-wheeling opportunities, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from May through October. Properties near the Marble Community Church and Mill Site Park benefit from wedding and event tourism, as couples seek unique mountain venues for destination weddings. The Lead King Loop and Crystal Mill access areas are highly desirable for adventure travelers and photographers visiting the iconic Crystal Mill, one of Colorado's most photographed structures. Winter sports enthusiasts create demand near snowmobile and cross-country skiing trail access points, while the area's proximity to Aspen (about 45 minutes) makes it attractive for visitors seeking more affordable accommodations during Aspen's peak seasons, festivals, and business conferences, offering potential for year-round occupancy with rates typically 40-60% lower than Aspen properties.

Airbnb properties in Marble, Colorado are subject to Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9% on gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts for stays booked through the platform. Additionally, Gunnison County imposes a lodging tax of approximately 1-2% that applies to short-term rentals under 30 days, though collection and remittance procedures vary and some hosts may need to register directly with the county and file quarterly returns. The Town of Marble may also impose local accommodation taxes, typically ranging from 2-4%, which would require separate registration and monthly or quarterly remittance to the municipal clerk's office. Stays of 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions provide exemptions for properties rented fewer than a certain number of days per year, though hosts should verify current rates and requirements as tax obligations can change and Airbnb's automatic collection may not cover all applicable local taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Marble, Colorado, expect total costs around $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $750,000-$800,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom mountain home suitable for short-term rentals in this small historic town near Aspen. Furnishing costs will run $25,000-$35,000 for quality mountain lodge-style furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area's skiing and hiking clientele. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees total $1,500-$2,500 covering business licenses, short-term rental permits from Gunnison County, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals costs $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($200/month) total approximately $9,000-$12,000, bringing the complete startup investment to nearly $900,000 for this premium Colorado mountain market.

Airbnb properties in Marble, Colorado, a small unincorporated community near Aspen, demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $200-400 during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 in summer months, generating annual revenues of $45,000-75,000 for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 10-15% for property management, 8-12% for utilities, and 3% Airbnb service fees, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for owner-operated properties. Success factors include proximity to Marble's historic charm and Crystal Mill access, luxury amenities like hot tubs and mountain views, and professional photography showcasing the area's scenic beauty. Properties within walking distance of Marble's general store and with 3+ bedrooms perform best, with some hosts like those operating renovated mining-era cabins reporting occupancy rates of 70-80% and gross yields of 12-18% annually. The limited inventory of short-term rentals in Marble compared to nearby Aspen creates less competition, though seasonal fluctuations require careful cash flow management, and properties typically achieve break-even within 3-5 years when factoring in acquisition and renovation costs averaging $400,000-600,000 for suitable mountain properties.

Airbnb investments in Marble, Colorado can expect annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Aspen and year-round outdoor recreation demand. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $200-350 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from Marble's growing reputation as a luxury mountain destination, with companies like Vacasa and Awning reporting occupancy rates of 65-75% for professionally managed properties in the Crystal River Valley region, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and higher maintenance costs associated with mountain properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Marble, Colorado. Local real estate agents like Summit County Real Estate Group and Colorado Mountain Properties have extensive experience with vacation rental investments in the Roaring Fork Valley area. National services including Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide comprehensive market analysis and property management solutions for Airbnb investments in mountain communities like Marble. AirDNA offers detailed market data and revenue projections for short-term rentals in the Marble area, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools specifically for vacation rental markets. Local agents such as Coldwell Banker Mason Morse and Engel & Völkers Aspen have been active in the Marble market since 2018, helping investors identify properties with strong rental potential. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts familiar with Colorado's short-term rental regulations, and companies like Hostfully and Guesty provide property management technology solutions for Airbnb operators in rural Colorado markets including Marble.